26/06/2026
The man who runs BMW M just said it out loud at Le Mans. He wants a new M1. His head of design wants it too. The only thing standing between you and a mid-engine BMW supercar is corporate approval — and apparently, BMW M's design team has never stopped drawing it.
BMW M CEO Frank van Meel sat down with BMW Blog on the sidelines of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and said simply: "I'm in love with the original M1, but I would love to do a new one." Head of Design Oliver Heilmer confirmed the design department hasn't let the idea go: "I must be honest, we are always dreaming about it. And maybe someday, we find the right window of opportunity." He was clear that the window isn't open yet — but equally clear that they're watching for it. The original M1 ran from 1978 to 1981 as BMW's only true mid-engine supercar, and nothing has replaced it since.
BMW has come close more than once. The Vision M Next concept was reportedly on track for production before COVID-19 uncertainty and the cost of development killed it. A separate rumor had BMW working on a fully electric supercar producing over 1,200 horsepower. That project apparently went quiet — likely the right call given the market reality facing ultra-expensive EVs. Meanwhile, BMW's Neue Klasse platform is capable of up to 1,341 hp, so the raw performance capability exists. What's missing is the green light from BMW Group leadership. BMW M VP Sylvia Neubauer reportedly revealed in July 2025 that a small-series "dream car for collectors" has already passed internal approval, though specific details remain under wraps.
The timing case is getting stronger. The S58 engine is being updated with pre-chamber ignition technology to stay emissions-legal through the end of the decade. BMW has proven it can sell limited six-figure collector cars with the 3.0 CSL, the Skytop, and the Speedtop. The infrastructure for a halo car exists. The desire inside BMW M is clearly there. The image in this post is a fan render — not an official BMW design. But is this the decade BMW finally builds the M1's true successor? 👇